Hot Take Here's the Easiest Way to Reinstall Windows 11 and Fix Problems

[lokamoka820]

There are already ways to perform a clean install of Windows, but what if you just want to fix problems without the hassle of starting over? That's when Windows 11's new recovery tool comes in handy. We'll show you how to use it.

How to Reinstall Windows 11 With Windows Update Recovery Tool​

For the Windows Update recovery tool to be available on your system, you'll need to have:

• Windows 11 version 22H2 (or newer) with the Feb 2024 update (or newer) installed
• A regular user account that's not associated with a Microsoft school or work account
• An internet connection

Without further ado, here are the steps to perform a quick reinstall:

1. Click the Start menu and type "recovery options"—click the first result. You should now be in System > Recovery settings.
2. Click the Reinstall now button next to Fix problems using Windows Update.
   
   
3. A confirmation box will appear. Click OKto start. Windows Update will display its progress as it begins downloading repair files and installing them.
   
   
4. Once it's done, you can click the Restart Nowbutton. Your PC might do a few more updates and reboot a few times. When that final step is complete, you'll be greeted with your regular login screen.
   
   

That's all it takes. I was able to continue using my PC while the tool did its thing, and the restart portion only took me out of commission for the duration of a coffee break. It was quick and painless with no prompts asking me to reconfigure anything.

A Quick Reinstall Keeps All of Your Files, Apps, and Settings​

willi Lumintang / Shutterstock

The "Fix problems using Windows Update" tool differs from the "Reset this PC" option, which reinstalls Windows from scratch using Windows Cloud Download or Local Reinstall. And this new recovery tool is also different from a full-fledged clean install of Windows 11.

Although there are times when the other methods may be preferable, "Fix problems using Windows Update" is a more convenient option because it keeps all your files, apps, and settings. For one, you don't have to spend time tracking down and reinstalling your motherboard drivers. You also don't have to redownload all your programs or recreate how you organized your tasks with virtual desktops.

Normally, you'd want to back up all your important files before a clean install. But with this new recovery tool, you can skip that step too. A quick reinstall is great when you just want to iron out kinks in Windows 11 but need to get back to your tasks as soon as possible.

Here's the Easiest Way to Reinstall Windows 11 and Fix Problems

You don't need to start from scratch if you reinstall Windows 11 using this method.

www.makeuseof.com

 

[Bot]

Thanks for sharing this detailed guide on how to use the Windows Update recovery tool in Windows 11. It seems like a convenient way to fix issues without losing any files, apps, or settings. It's great to know that this tool allows users to continue their tasks while it works in the background. This should indeed save a lot of time and hassle compared to a full clean install.

 

[HarborFront]

I just tried it but to no avail. The 2 problems still exist on my Win 11 work laptop

I have 2 problems quite sometimes now

1) My 10G internet line only showing 1G download speed
2) I cannot tether to my hp using WiFi or BT because I lost the WiFi in my laptop. Only LAN works. I have tried many methods on the net but still WiFi does NOT exist. See below image

I believe I need a full reformat of the C: drive

I have an older laptop which shows 10G speed with no issue whatsoever because I only have Win 11 installed and nothing elae

 

[Oldie1950]

I just tried it but to no avail. The 2 problems still exist on my Win 11 work laptop

I have 2 problems quite sometimes now

1) My 10G internet line only showing 1G download speed
2) I cannot tether to my hp using WiFi or BT because I lost the WiFi in my laptop. Only LAN works. I have tried many methods on the net but still WiFi does NOT exist. See below image

I believe I need a full reformat of the C: drive

I have an older laptop which shows 10G speed with no issue whatsoever because I only have Win 11 installed and nothing el

Are you sure it's a software problem? It could also be that the WLAN module on your laptop is defective.

 

[HarborFront]

Are you sure it's a software problem? It could also be that the WLAN module on your laptop is defective.

Not too sure. Just gave it a try....could be drivers issue

My WLAN module was ok when I subscribed to the 10G connection. I tested my 10G LAN by comparing with my old laptop with only my Win 11 installed

It was later that I lost the WiFi connection.

I'll need to reformat and re-check whether it's the fault of the WiFi module and, hopefully, resolve the 10G LAN connection issue. If yes, then it's time to replace the WiFi 6E module with a WiFi 7 one since I'm on WiFi 7 now

 

[vtqhtr413]

Here's the Easiest Way to Reinstall Windows 11 and Fix Problems

You don't need to start from scratch if you reinstall Windows 11 using this method.

www.makeuseof.com

I wonder if it mentions what problems it fixed or found but couldn't fix?

 

[HarborFront]

I wonder if it mentions what problems it fixed or found but couldn't fix?

Mine did not mention anything so unlikely it's a software issus

 

[Oldie1950]

I wonder if it mentions what problems it fixed or found but couldn't fix?

Nothing is reported during the repair update or afterwards. The old Windows is simply overwritten. It is not clear to me whether the old device drivers are also overwritten or whether they are retained.

 

[oldschool]

I used this successfully a few months ago and no mention of fixes. I think it's a great feature.

 

[Wrecker4923]

After the July's Patch Tuesday, two files went missing on my system, as reported (but not fixed) by "sfc /scannow." Dism didn't fix the problem. I used this feature. It fixed the problem like downloading/installing a normal update (just longer). Very nice!

 

[lokamoka820]

I used this successfully a few months ago and no mention of fixes. I think it's a great feature.

What were the problems you face to use this feature?

 

[oldschool]

What were the problems you face to use this feature?

I forget actually. It was months ago.

 

[roger_m]

The old Windows is simply overwritten. It is not clear to me whether the old device drivers are also overwritten or whether they are retained.

They should be retained.

 

[eXDj]

not have in canary

 

[lokamoka820]

I just tried it but to no avail. The 2 problems still exist on my Win 11 work laptop

I have 2 problems quite sometimes now

1) My 10G internet line only showing 1G download speed
2) I cannot tether to my hp using WiFi or BT because I lost the WiFi in my laptop. Only LAN works. I have tried many methods on the net but still WiFi does NOT exist. See below image

I believe I need a full reformat of the C: drive

I have an older laptop which shows 10G speed with no issue whatsoever because I only have Win 11 installed and nothing elae

I don't know if any of the steps mentioned in the following article will help, but it is an ultimate guide for network connection issues:

How to Fix Network Connection Issues in Windows 11

The ultimate guide to fixing any and all network connection issues on your Windows 11 computer with perfectly outlined steps.

allthings.how

 

[HarborFront]

I don't know if any of the steps mentioned in the following article will help, but it is an ultimate guide for network connection issues:

How to Fix Network Connection Issues in Windows 11

The ultimate guide to fixing any and all network connection issues on your Windows 11 computer with perfectly outlined steps.

allthings.how

Thanks for the link

Tried most but still not working

From the attached photo you can see that my WiFi is missing. That's the crtical one. Without that I cannot access the WiFi settings

 

[Oldie1950]

Thanks for the link

Tried most but still not working

From the attached photo you can see that my WiFi is missing. That's the crtical one. Without that I cannot access the WiFi settings

Is the WLAN adapter marked as functional in the device manager?

 

[HarborFront]

Is the WLAN adapter marked as functional in the device manager?

There's a yellow triangle

 

[brambedkar59]

There's a yellow triangle

View attachment 285142

That seems like a driver issue. Are you using drivers from HP website or letting Windows update install them?

 

[Oldie1950]

That seems like a driver issue. Are you using drivers from HP website or letting Windows update install them?

I also think that there is a driver problem. You can activate the driver search directly for the device in the Device Manager.